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Cork city is hailed as one of Europe's leading cultural cities in new European research

Cork City Council is delighted that Cork has been recognized as one of eight “ideal” cities for culture and creativity across the European Union.

Cork was ranked as number one for cultural venues and facilities amongst European cities with a population of under 500,000. It also came top of the table for cultural vibrancy amongst small to medium-sized European cities.

Along with Paris, Copenhagen, Glasgow, Utrecht, Leuven, Eindhoven and Umea, the European report says that Cork has some of the characteristics of the “ideal” cultural and creative city. It noted how most of these leader cities were of small or medium size and how the lion’s share of the cities were second cities; a finding that recognises the creative dynamism that second cities harness.

The European Commission’s ‘Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor’ rated Cork on its cultural pulse, how it supports the creative economy and how it attracts and fosters creative talent.

The report noted the success of the 2005 European Capital of Culture where over one million people, seven times the city’s population, attended the official Cork 2005 events and it also cited the nomination of the Lewis Glucksman Gallery for the Stirling Prize, a British prize for excellence in architecture.

Cork City Council Chief Executive, Ann Doherty said: “This research certainly puts Cork in good company. It ranks Cork amongst some of the best-known cities in Europe for culture and is a much-welcomed recognition of investment in this second city’s cultural venues and facilities and of Cork’s unique urban character”.

“Indeed, the report recognises the power of second cities as cities with the greatest potential and as the most ideal for cultural exploration. This European accolade gives Cork City a wonderful opportunity to further develop its creative agenda and offering. Improving the quality of life and wellbeing of Cork’s citizens is core to the work of Cork City Council and it’s wonderful to see European recognition of this”.

Ireland’s stellar performance as a cultural destination was further strengthened by the performance of Dublin, Galway and Limerick who were also recognized for their contribution to the cultural arena. In the light of the development of Ireland’s first Cultural Strategy and the Creative Ireland initiative, this shows that our national policy development is aligned to the European ideal of acknowledging the importance of culture and creativity in the development of our cities.

The Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor benchmarks the performance of European cities across 30 countries including Switzerland and Norway. The Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor follows a research project covering 168 cities in 30 European countries.